WHO warns: Could Hantavirus pose a threat like the coronavirus? Learn about the symptoms. 

 New Delhi. Concerns about viral infections have once again risen worldwide. Following the recent discovery of Hantavirus cases on a cruise ship , the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a serious infectious disease. While the WHO has clarified that it is not the “next COVID,” taking it lightly can be dangerous.

According to WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove , hantavirus is not a new infection and has been present in the world for many years. Several countries have been alerted following recent deaths linked to it on a cruise ship.

How did the matter come to light?

According to the WHO, the first death from this infection occurred on April 11. The deceased was a 70-year-old Dutch citizen. His wife later died in South Africa. A German woman was also confirmed to have the infection. Following this, the WHO issued an alert to 12 countries.

What is Hanta virus?

Hantavirus is an infection primarily spread by rodents. Humans are infected through contact with infected rodent feces, urine, and saliva. Sometimes, dried feces and urine particles become airborne and are inhaled.

This virus spreads very little directly between people, unlike coronaviruses like COVID-19 that spread rapidly from person to person. This is why coronavirus has become a global pandemic, while hantavirus cases remain limited.

Symptoms of Hantavirus

Initially, symptoms may resemble those of the common flu, including:

• high fever
• body pain
• Tiredness
• Headache

As the infection progresses, the condition can become serious. Patients may experience difficulty breathing, fluid buildup in the lungs, and kidney problems. In some cases, bleeding from the lungs has also been observed.

How much danger is there in India?

Currently, there is no major threat or alert regarding Hantavirus in India. However, some cases have been reported in the country before. According to media reports and research papers, cases of infection were found in Vellore in 2008. In 2016, the death of a child in Mumbai was also linked to the virus.

How to prevent it?

According to experts, cleanliness is crucial to preventing the hantavirus. Specifically:

• Keep the house and surroundings clean
• Keep your distance from rats
• Wear a mask when cleaning closed or dirty areas.
• wash hands regularly
• Avoid contact with infected animals

Which countries were alerted?

According to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the countries whose citizens were associated with the affected cruise ship include 12 countries including Canada , Germany , United Kingdom , United States , Singapore.

Experts say that there is no need to panic at the moment, but one should not be careless either.